Genetic Markers and Immune Response Reveal Origins of PTSD

Medicine & Technology Mar 13, 2015

While Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become highly stigmatized as a mental health condition within the armed forces, where soldiers often return home from battle with the debilitating condition, it appears that not only may some soldiers be genetically predisposed to it—some may have immunological reactions that even make it worse. In a new study published this week in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, a team of researchers with the University of Southampton (UK) and University of California, San Diego have uncovered the genetic markers that could theoretically allow them to identify soldiers or patients that may be most at risk, even before they’re deployed at all.

Clearing the Questions Around PTSD—How Researchers Revealed a New Genetic Link

Mar 13, 2015

It’s a story not too unfamiliar in the line of duty for those in the armed forces. When faced with the traumatic experiences, dangers and death of warring nations, often those on the front line are scathed to say the least. A new study revealing the origins and genetic markers for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may provide a glimmer of hope for soldiers suffering with the condition, but with the stigma and disbelief the general public has regarding the disorder, the battle is far from over.

Catalina Fox Populations—From the Brink of Extinction to Potentially Off the List

Mar 12, 2015

Though the Catalina fox species may be the smallest species of fox in the world, it appears that size may not have anything to do with their survival. And while the animal may have been endangered decades ago, locals and visitors to the island of Santa Catalina are realized that their abundant numbers may be a sign of drastic change.

New Study Found No Link Between Mental Problems and Psychedelic Drugs

Mar 11, 2015

Despite what you may have been led to believe about the use of psychedelic drugs and your mental health, a new study from the Norwegian University for Science and Technology at Trondheim has found that the use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs is not associated with mental health problems.

NASA Seeks Talent with Space Apps Challenge

Mar 11, 2015

NASA has organized a new three-day event that will allow participants to develop mobile applications, software, hardware, data visualization and platform solutions that could contribute to the space exploration missions and improve life on Earth.

Climate Change Degrading Ancient Mummies

Mar 10, 2015

About 7 thousands years ago and predating the Egyptians by several thousands of years lived a tribe of people off the coast of Chile and southern Peru lived a tribe of people known today as "the Chinchorro". Like the ancient Egyptians, the Chinchorro used to mummify its dead, creating the oldest known mummies on Earth. But today, these mummies are now threatened by climate change.

Catalina Fox Populations—From the Brink of Extinction to Potentially Off the List

Mar 09, 2015

Though the Catalina fox species may be the smallest species of fox in the world, it appears that size may not have anything to do with their survival. And while the animal may have been endangered decades ago, locals and visitors to the island of Santa Catalina are realized that their abundant numbers may be a sign of drastic change.

SeaWorld Researchers Change the Conversation—Saving Stranded Sea Lion Pups

Mar 08, 2015

Though animal rights activists have questioned the capacity of the aquarium and the living situation of the performers, SeaWorld researchers and trainers are proving that the company’s main concern is the health and well-being of the animals. And with a new decision that has suspended sea lion and sea otter shows in the weeks to come, SeaWorld’s employees are taking a stance for what they know is right.

What Tactics Can Help You Survive A Zombie Apocalypse? Researchers Have the Answer

Mar 08, 2015

Think that you’ve got what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Well you may be right. But if you’re training in the city, a new study may reveal that your survival rate is significantly affected, in the event that a zombie-like infection were on the loose.

Why Southern Californians and Researchers Aren’t Too Thrilled About News of El Niño

Mar 08, 2015

It appears that while officials with the NOAA are declaring the event an El Niño class, this year’s events won't exactly be a repeat of the 1998 El Niño that many had hoped for.

How ‘Gravitational Lensing’ Made One Supernova into Four—‘Einstein Cross’

Mar 08, 2015

Nicknamed the “Einstein Cross” after the famous physicist who predicted the possibility of the phenomenon as a result of his theory of relativity more than a century ago, the formation was made possible by a strange occurrence known as gravitational lensing. When a galaxy or cluster is large enough, they can often bend light that passes through it. And when they are rather perfectly aligned with Earth, even small events too far to be seen can be magnified so that researchers are able to detect them.

Scientists Have Finally Determined the Weight of Famed Stegosaurus

Mar 06, 2015

Scientists, using a new 3-D scanning technique, have finally been able to make a reasonable estimate of the weight of the world's most famous Stegosaurus, Sophie.

Astronomers Discover Planet in Multiple Star System

Mar 05, 2015

Astronomers have discovered a new planet located in a system with three stars and another planet located in a system with not one, not two, not three, but four stars in the system.

Oxygen May Boost Immune Cells Fighting Cancer

Mar 05, 2015

Researchers might have discovered another new weapon in the fight against cancer -- oxygen. In a new study in mice. researchers found that something as simple as breathing in extra oxygen might give immune cells the boost they need to attack cancer cells in the body.

Flu Only Infects Adults Twice a Decade

Mar 04, 2015

While the dangers of the flu may make headlines every flu season, researchers have calculated that adults over the age of 30 only catch the flu about once every five years.